Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers wasn’t playing Sunday night anyway, so the Hall of Fame game being canceled didn’t impact his workload.
That’s because the Packers built the long break in for their 32-year-old star, whose practice Tuesday was his first work since last Wednesday’s practice.
“It’s been a nice rest,” Rodgers said, via Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. “I didn’t ask for it, but I appreciate it. Mike [McCarthy] does a great job of taking care of us, and me especially. This, according to him, was planned to have a nice little rest for my legs and my arm. But I still had to do workouts.
“I think I was probably the only guy who worked out on Sunday because I was out there so early running around and doing some stuff with our strength staff.”
Of course, Rodgers has been running McCarthy’s system that August reps are less important than they might be for others, as he said he’d be ready for the season to start “right now.”
“It’s important to stay in tune with what’s best for your offense,” McCarthy said, “and also balance that with what’s best for Aaron. We’re charting his reps, particularly his throwing. The five-day period of him being off was by design. So I feel good about where he is. He feels good.
“Really, the focus is more on Brett Hundley and our two young guys. That’s the target we need to hit as far as giving those three men the opportunity and amount of work. I’m more worried about them three than I am about Aaron Rodgers.”
So for now, Hundley and Joe Callahan and Marquise Williams will get the bulk of the work, as the Packers continue to ease Rodgers into the season. He may play in Friday’s preseason game against the Browns, but won’t be out there too long.